CEO Letter
As we reflect on the past year, it is evident that Abilities Centre has come a long way since its inception over twenty years ago. What started as a vision has transformed into a movement, and one which continues to impact tens of thousands of lives each year.
Whether it be through Centre-based activities, or services that are now being delivered regionally, provincially, nationally and globally, Abilities Centre continues to focus on transforming communities through the lens of accessibility and inclusion, while striving to create a sense of belonging for all.
Now more than ever it is imperative for communities to embrace accessibility, and to work to break down societal barriers to full participation for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, we must look beyond simple compliance, and recognize and leverage the universal value that enhanced accessibility can bring for all.
At our 125,000 square foot, multi-award-winning Abilities Centre facility, we continue to embrace the philosophy of being an ‘inclusion incubator’, where we develop innovative and evidence-based programs and services that transform accessibility and inclusion, and which can be scaled to meet the needs of other communities. As a critical step in ensuring we meet the needs of the communities we serve, we embrace the key principles of co-design and co-production with persons with lived experience, in addition to understanding how intersectionality applies in all we do. Inclusion is a journey, not a destination, and we remain committed as an organization in challenging ourselves and those we work with to create environments that are safe, respectful and which value the whole person.
This report showcases some of the impact we have delivered as an organization over the past year, while also capturing the key steps we have taken on our journey of continuous learning and improvement. The passion, commitment and innovation from Abilities Centre staff never ceases to amaze me, and collectively, we are all incredibly excited to embark on the next stage of our evolution as an organization.
With the continued support of our members, partners, donors and stakeholders, we will navigate the immediate challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and will emerge stronger in our relentless pursuit in creating communities where everyone belongs.
Stuart McReynolds
President & CEO
Chair, Board of Directors
I would like to acknowledge and thank the tireless efforts of Abilities Centre staff and the Board of Directors for what has been one of the most remarkable years in our history, and a year of exciting change. In particular, I would like to acknowledge and extend my sincere thanks to both Doug Allingham and Bill Budgell who have concluded their terms on our Board. Both Doug and Bill have made significant contributions to Abilities Centre over the years, and we remain indebted to their service.
I would also like to acknowledge the efforts and commitment of our outgoing Executive Director, Leo Plue. Leo has been a stalwart and champion for Abilities Centre since its inception and has navigated the organization through exponential change these past few years. We wish Leo the very best in retirement and thank him for the strong foundation he has laid for future growth.
While it is always bittersweet to bid farewell to those that have contributed so much over the years, it is also exciting to welcome new individuals to the Abilities Centre movement. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome Tej Singh Hazra to our Board of Directors, and am confident that Tej’s passion, lived experience and expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion will provide significant value to our organization as we embark on the next stage of our journey.
I would also like to provide a formal welcome to our incoming President & CEO, Stuart McReynolds. The Board of Directors are immensely excited by Stuart’s vision for the future of Abilities Centre and have no doubt that under his leadership and expertise we will reach new heights while transforming our impact in the communities we serve.
There is much to look back on and be proud of and celebrate this year, and we will use these learnings to strengthen the foundation for our future while embracing the challenges to come.
Mark Wafer
Chair of the Board